To become a catering manager, a mix of food and hospitality education, work experience, and business skills are required. Education in hospitality and food preparation is essential, as well as learning about the business side of catering. Work experience is critical, and personal qualities such as good communication skills and professionalism are also important.
A catering manager is responsible for designing and managing the catering area of a restaurant, event rental or food supply company. To become a catering manager, a person may need an equal mix of food and hospitality education, work experience, and a passion for hard work. As the job description of a catering manager can change daily, the ability to adapt key catering management skills to new settings can be indispensable.
Education is one of the most important steps required to become a catering manager. Many catering professionals study hospitality, catering or other related fields through a college or trade school. Sometimes a certificate in catering management can be obtained through a catering school or community college, usually over the course of two years. While a formal education is not absolutely necessary to become a catering manager, it can help a professional break into the career pool quickly and with a good measure of preparation.
While education in hospitality and food preparation is often essential for a catering manager, learning about the business side of catering manager qualifications is also important. Classes in basic finance, accounting, people management and business theory can help a person become a catering manager who can be trusted with both food and payroll. Putting together personalized, delicious and smooth events is important to build a great professional reputation, but having the training to ensure events are profitable and legal will help keep a catering company in business.
Work experience is another critical step needed to become a catering manager. To be efficient and realistic about catering skills, it’s important to understand the business from the inside. Working as a waiter, bartender or prep chef for a catering company can be a great way to learn about the business from the bottom up, with plenty of opportunities to carefully observe and learn from both successful and disastrous events. It is sometimes possible to become a catering manager with just work experience, although this can take several years.
Performing well in personal interactions such as interviews can be the final key that helps a person become a catering manager. Catering professionals need to be able to attract customers, handle stress well, listen carefully. During interviews, employers are often looking for personal qualities that help customers feel safe, welcome, and excited about food. As a catering manager is often a visible representation of the company, looking and behaving in a professional manner can also help a newly qualified manager land a great first job.
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